Later that evening, the pogues and Allison gathered at Rixon's Cove, a hidden sanctuary they cherished. The firelight danced across their faces, casting shadows that mirrored the complex emotions each of them carried. The air was filled with the crackle of burning wood and the mingling sounds of laughter, but underneath the easy camaraderie, a tension simmered, especially within Allison.
She sat close to Jordan, his presence a steady warmth beside her, a comfort she desperately needed. Yet, as much as she tried to immerse herself in the moment, her thoughts kept drifting to Rafe—the way he made her feel, the way he twisted her heart in knots. The connection she felt with Jordan was real, soft, and safe, but her feelings for Rafe were tempest, wild and uncontrollable. She wasn't sure if she could survive being caught between these two very different emotions.
Noticing her distraction, Jordan leaned in slightly, his voice low and gentle. "You okay?" he asked, his gaze searching hers for answers she wasn't ready to give.
Allison forced a smile, the effort almost painful. "Yeah, just tired from all the dancing," she replied, her voice light but unconvincing.
Jordan nodded, his expression softening as he accepted her answer, even though he could sense there was more to it. He could see that she was struggling with something, but he didn't want to push her. He trusted her, and maybe that was part of the problem—she wasn't being fully honest with him, and the weight of that deception was growing harder to bear.
Across the fire, Pope's voice cut through the night, his tone a mix of anxiety and curiosity. "So, like, my dad's already gonna kill me. What's this mandatory meeting about?"
John B and JJ exchanged glances, the kind that spoke of shared secrets and impending revelations. "Might as well tell him, man, before we're gaffed," JJ urged, nudging John B to take the lead.
John B, usually so laid-back, seemed almost solemn as he took a deep breath, preparing to drop a bombshell. "You ready for this?" he asked, his voice steady despite the gravity of what he was about to share.
The pogues nodded, their interest piqued, while Allison watched with growing curiosity, feeling a shift in the energy around the fire.
"So," John B began, "The gold never went down with the Royal Merchant."
Jordan let out an exaggerated sigh, throwing his hands up in mock exasperation. "Oh God, here we go again with this."
Allison frowned, confused. "Wait, wait. What gold?"
John B shot a look at Kie, who seemed slightly guilty. "You never told her, Kie?" he asked, surprised.
Kie shrugged, her face tinged with embarrassment. "It was our secret, remember? We've been searching for gold ever since you came here."
"You guys seriously believe in that?" Allison's voice was laced with skepticism, struggling to reconcile the idea of treasure hunting with the reality she knew.
"Yeah, apparently they do," Jordan replied, rolling his eyes in disbelief.
Allison turned to him, her curiosity getting the better of her. "You don't?"
Jordan shrugged, his tone dismissive. "I'm not going to believe it until I see it."
"All right. Let's hear him out," JJ said, his voice brimming with excitement as he motioned for John B to continue.
John B took on the air of a seasoned storyteller, his expression confident, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "It's been here the whole time. It's on the island."
Kie's eyes widened in shock. "Are you serious? Oh my God."
Jordan, still skeptical, crossed his arms over his chest. "I'd like to voice my skepticism.""I'm sure you would, Jordan," John B said, barely hiding his amusement. "But can I please present you with my evidence, sir?"
Jordan nodded, feigning seriousness. "Proceed."
From his backpack, John B carefully pulled out a worn piece of paper, aged with time and handled with reverence. "In my backpack, I have a letter from Denmark Tanny."
"Who the hell is that?" Kie asked, peering at the letter as if it might bite.
"Denmark Tanny was a slave that survived the Royal Merchant wreck. Check this out." John B moved around the circle, letting each of them get a look at the letter, his voice filled with the kind of reverence usually reserved for holy relics. "Okay, slaves weren't mentioned as crew members on the ship, but my dad found a complete manifest. That was his big discovery. So, Tanny used the gold from the Merchant to buy his freedom. After that, he bought his farm. Drumroll, please." He paused, letting the tension build as the pogues drummed on their laps. "Because that farm is... Tannyhill Plantation."
"Tannyhill?" Kie echoed, her surprise genuine and tinged with disbelief.
John B nodded, his excitement barely contained. "Yeah. So, after that, he used his money to free even more slaves, and then he sold a shit-ton of rice, which pissed off all the white planters, and then they decided to lynch him. So on the day they were coming to get him, he writes a letter to his son as a farewell, and in the last line of that letter, he leaves a coded message about where to find the gold."
"Where?" Kie leaned forward, her breath held in anticipation.
"'Harvest the wheat in parcel nine, near the water.' Except... there's no wheat. You see, wheat is code for gold. Check this out." John B pointed to the letter now in Pope's hands. "The gold is in parcel nine, near the water."
"Holy shit," Pope muttered, his mind already racing with the possibilities.
"All we need is an original survey map of the property, and we've found the gold," John B concluded, his voice filled with triumph.
"Okay, so this might have a small chance of being actually true," Jordan admitted, albeit grudgingly.
"Okay, so, guys. What's the plan?" Pope asked, eager to dive into the adventure.
"Good question," John B said with a grin. "Sarah Cameron's coming tonight. She'll bring an original survey map..."
"Hold on," Kie interrupted, her tone sharp and her expression darkening. "Sarah? Wh-why Sarah?"
"This is gonna be good," JJ mumbled, sensing the tension brewing.
John B, suddenly on the defensive, hesitated. "Sarah, um, she... She got me into the archives in Chapel Hill yesterday, and that's where I got the letter," he explained, his voice growing quieter as he spoke.
"You were in Chapel Hill with Sarah Cameron?" Kie's voice rose with a mixture of hurt and anger, her eyes flashing with betrayal.
"He was mackin' on her," JJ added, his smirk growing wider.
"I wasn't macking," John B insisted, but the defensive edge in his voice made it clear he was losing ground.
"You were totally macking Sarah Cameron," JJ pressed, enjoying the show.
"I wasn't macking on her, okay?" John B snapped, his frustration boiling over. "I was using her for access."
"Did you tell her about the treasure?" Kie's voice was sharp, cutting through the night air like a blade.
John B shifted uncomfortably. "I was trying to get into the archives."
"Is that a yes?" Kie's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin.
"I... I left out key details," John B admitted, his voice a bit quieter now.
"Yo, what?" Kie's anger flared, her face a mask of disbelief and betrayal. "You let a Kook in on our secret? What about Pogue Life? What about the T-shirt company, bro?"
"I was just using her for information," John B repeated, his tone growing more desperate as he tried to explain.
"Why don't I believe you?" Kie's arms crossed, her gaze hard and unyielding.
"I'm trying to make us filthy rich here. Okay, so that we can pay off a boat, or... or, uh... send you to autopsy school to study dead bodies," John B pointed at Pope, his voice rising in an attempt to justify his actions. "Look, you guys know me. Do I look like the type of person to fall for Sarah Cameron?"
"Do you want us to answer that, or..." Pope's sarcastic tone only added to the tension.
"Just... just stop," John B pleaded, turning to Pope with a look of exasperation.
"Look, you don't know her yet. I do! You can't trust her," Kie insisted, her voice laced with urgency and a deep sense of betrayal.
"Her brother did hit me in the back with a golf club," Pope pointed out, adding another layer of doubt.
"Rafe and Sarah are different human beings," John B countered, but even he seemed unsure of the distinction.
"What did she do to you, exactly?" JJ asked Kie, his tone probing, though his curiosity seemed more casual than concerned.
"She's like a... like a spitting cobra. First, she... she blinds you, and then..." Kie struggled for words, her anger and hurt clouding her thoughts.
"This is a bad analogy," Pope muttered, shaking his head slightly.
"Listen to me!" Kie's voice cracked with emotion. "Whatever we get, she's gonna try to take."
・ • ・ • ・
As the pogues prepared to meet Sarah, the tension between them palpable, Allison felt a weariness settle over her. The weight of secrets and the conflicting emotions within her were taking their toll. She needed space—time to think, to figure out where her heart truly lay.
"I think I'm going to head home," she said, her voice soft yet firm, cutting through the chatter.
The group turned to look at her, surprise evident in their eyes.
"You sure?" Jordan asked, concern etching his features. He reached out, placing a hand on her arm, the warmth of his touch grounding her momentarily.
Allison nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, I'm just tired. It's been a long day."
"Okay, we'll drop you off as close as we can," John B offered, already rising to his feet.
They all piled into the van, the atmosphere tense and subdued, the earlier excitement now tinged with uncertainty. They drove in near silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. When they reached the point closest to Figure Eight, Allison got out, thanking them with a tight-lipped smile. The van drove away, the headlights disappearing into the night, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
The night was cool, the air crisp against her skin as she began the walk back to her house. The quiet of the evening was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. The memories of the evening—John B's revelation, Kie's hurt, Jordan's concern, and Rafe's possessiveness—all played on a loop in her mind.
Rafe. She couldn't stop thinking about him, a part of her couldn't stop wondering where he was, what he was doing, and why she couldn't shake the hold he had on her. As much as she wanted to push him out of her thoughts, he lingered there, a shadow she couldn't escape. She hated how he made her feel—vulnerable, confused, alive.
With Jordan, everything was simple, clear, and safe. But with Rafe... everything was chaos, passion, and danger. And as much as she knew she should run from that, a part of her was irresistibly drawn to it.
The sound of a car approaching pulled her from her reverie. The music blared from the vehicle, cutting through the silence of the night. She recognized the car even before she heard the familiar voice call out.
"Stop the car, Topper," Rafe's voice carried through the night air, laced with irritation.
The vehicle screeched to a halt beside her, and Rafe jumped out, his expression a mixture of frustration and something darker, something possessive. "Did the pogues ditch you already?" he sneered, his tone biting.
Allison sighed, trying to keep her composure. "No. I ditched them," she replied curtly, turning to walk away. She didn't want to deal with him right now—not with everything already weighing on her mind.
"Wait. Wait. Wait," Rafe called out, his footsteps quickening behind her. He was never one to let things go easily, especially when it came to her.
Allison spun around, facing him with a mixture of exasperation and defiance. "What do you want, Rafe?" Her voice was edged with weariness, a plea for him to just leave her alone.
"I just... I just—" Rafe's voice faltered, his usual bravado slipping away. For a moment, he seemed almost vulnerable, but it was gone as quickly as it came. "I don't want you hanging around with those pogues."
Allison stared at him, incredulous. "Are you serious right now?" she snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
Rafe raked his hands through his hair, a habit she recognized as a sign of his agitation. "Can't you see I'm just trying to protect you?" His voice was pleading, but there was an underlying desperation to it.
"Protect me from my friends?" Allison scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Yes, Allison," Rafe's eyes were hard, his voice low and intense. "I can't just let you run around with them."
"You can't tell me what to do, Rafe," Allison shot back, turning on her heel to walk away, but Rafe wasn't having it.
He grabbed her wrist, his grip tight enough to make her wince. "Don't fucking walk away from me again," he snarled, his voice dark with anger.
"Rafe, you're hurting me," Allison cried out, trying to pull her arm free, her heart racing in her chest.
Rafe's grip loosened slightly, but he didn't let go. His face was close to hers, his breath hot on her skin. "Am I wrong to protect what's mine?" he growled, his voice rough, almost desperate.
Allison's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of fear and something else—something she didn't want to admit. "I'm yours, huh?" she challenged, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts to stay strong.
"Yes, you're mine, princess. Whether you like it or not," Rafe's voice was low, and possessive, and it sent a shiver down her spine.
"We're not in a relationship, Rafe," Allison argued, her frustration bubbling over.
Rafe pulled her closer, their bodies almost touching. "Doesn't matter, princess, you're mine," he repeated his tone firm, leaving no room for argument.
"Just let me go," Allison said, her voice calmer now, trying to diffuse the tension. She knew pushing him would only make things worse.
"Nah, you're going with us," Rafe insisted, dragging her toward the car. He opened the back door, motioning for Kelce to make room for her.
"Do I have a choice?" Allison asked, her voice resigned, her earlier defiance slipping away.
"No. I can't let you walk all alone," Rafe said, his voice softening slightly, a hint of concern breaking through his rough exterior.
"Okay, fine," Allison agreed, climbing into the car next to Kelce. She didn't have the energy to fight him anymore. The battle between what she wanted and what she felt was tearing her apart.
Rafe closed the door and got into the passenger seat, and the car roared back to life as Topper started driving again.
"So, you two...?" Kelce asked, gesturing between them, his voice laced with curiosity.
"Yeah, we do, so don't even think about it, Kelce," Rafe warned, taking out a bag of cocaine, his movements almost mechanical.
Kelce raised his hands in surrender. "I was just asking," he muttered, not wanting to provoke Rafe further.
Rafe turned around to look at Allison, his eyes softening slightly. "Now, I agreed for this to be a secret, but I didn't agree that you can run off with them wherever you like."
Allison rolled her eyes and leaned her head against the window, the cool glass a welcome relief against her heated skin. "Just drop me off at my house, Topper," she said, her voice devoid of the earlier fight.
"Where is your house?" Topper asked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.
"No, no. We're going to the after-party," Rafe insisted, cutting her off before she could reply.
"Go. No one's stopping you," Allison muttered bitterly. "You can drop me off on the way. On the next stop, you turn left, and my house is third in the line."
Rafe shook his head, his eyes narrowing. "Don't listen to her, Top. Drive us to a party."
"You know what?" Topper exclaimed, clearly frustrated with the back-and-forth. "I'm going to see Sarah."
"You're better off without her, Top," Rafe said loudly, preparing a line on his lap. "Trust me. I live with the bitch."
"Rafe, don't call your sister a bitch, man. Come on," Topper scolded, his tone weary as he navigated the darkened streets.
"Yo, I'll call her whatever I want, man. All right?" Rafe said with a sniffle, his voice rough and raw.
Kelce laughed loudly from the backseat, his amusement only adding to the chaos.
Rafe turned to Allison, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "You want some?" he asked, holding out the rolled bill, the line prepared for her.
"I think I'll pass this time," Allison replied, shaking her head.
"I'll have it if she doesn't want it," Kelce said, leaning forward to snort the line. He slapped Topper's shoulder with a laugh. "Let's go. Just chill out, okay?"
Rafe nodded his earlier tension easing. "Good idea, man."
"I gotta see her, man. We're not... We're not good right now," Topper muttered, his voice filled with a tension that matched Rafe's earlier mood.
"Shut up, shut up, shut up. Shut up, dude," Rafe said quickly, his voice tinged with impatience. "Bad idea, muchacho."
"Just stick with the bevo, all right?" Kelce added, trying to soothe the rising tension, though the suggestion did little to change the atmosphere in the car.
"If you go there now, there is a high likelihood you go fetal," Rafe warned, his voice cutting through the night air with a mixture of irritation and dark amusement.
"Exactly," Kelce agreed, his voice lighter, as if trying to steer the conversation back to something more playful. "I'm getting fetal vibes."
"I'm not..." Topper shook his head, frustration lacing his words. "I'm not going fetal."
Kelce turned to Allison, his tone teasing but underlined with concern. "Are you getting fetal vibes?"
Allison kept her gaze fixed on the window, ignoring the question. She didn't respond, knowing that engaging would only prolong the conversation. The night outside was a blur, and all she could think about was getting out of this situation, away from the conflicting feelings and the tension that seemed to follow Rafe wherever he went.
The car eventually pulled to a stop, and Allison glanced up, realizing they had arrived at the Cameron household. The grandeur of the house loomed over them, and for a brief moment, she considered running away from all of it, but she knew that wasn't an option.
"Make it quick, okay?" Rafe and Kelce called out to Topper as he got out of the car, and headed inside. They shouted after him, their voices loud and playful, but Allison barely paid attention. Her mind was elsewhere, wrapped up in a web of thoughts and emotions she couldn't untangle.
"Bro, we're gonna leave your ass if you don't make it fast, okay?" Rafe continued to yell after Topper, followed by a sharp whistle from Kelce. "Hey, give Sarah a hug for me!" Rafe added, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Can you guys shut the fuck up?" Allison blurted out, her patience wearing thin. The tension, the noise, the swirling confusion inside her—it was all too much.
Rafe and Kelce both turned to look at her, surprised by the sudden outburst. They exchanged a glance before Kelce leaned back in his seat, chuckling softly.
"What's the matter, princess?" Rafe asked, his voice softer now, tinged with genuine curiosity.
"I'm tired, and I want to go to sleep," Allison replied, her voice calmer, though the exhaustion in her tone was undeniable.
"Take a line; it will freshen you up," Rafe offered, holding out the bill again, his eyes searching hers for a response.
Allison glanced at the line, then back at Rafe. Instead of answering, she shifted in her seat, climbing over the console into the passenger seat and settling herself into Rafe's lap. The movement was fluid, and instinctive, and Rafe's hands were on her body the moment she straddled him.
"This brings back memories," Rafe murmured, a smirk playing on his lips as he adjusted his grip on her hips, pulling her closer to him.
"Shut up, Rafe," Allison said, though there was no heat in her words. She was simply too tired to argue, too weary to fight the pull he had on her.
Rafe's hands gripped her hips, grounding her against him, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "You're making it really hard to do so."
From the backseat, Kelce groaned loudly. "Get a room, you two."
Allison rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Yeah, why don't you show me your room?" she teased, her voice lightening as she leaned in closer to Rafe, her breath hot against his ear.
Rafe grinned at her, his eyes darkening with desire. "Oh, that's what you want, huh? It wasn't enough at—"
Allison silenced him by pressing her finger to his lips, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "I'll do a line if we go to your room." Her words were a mix of playfulness and need, her lips brushing his ear as she spoke, "I know you want it." She nibbled lightly on his earlobe, and Rafe closed his eyes, leaning back against the headrest as a low groan escaped him.
As her kisses trailed down his neck, Allison guided his hand from her waist to her thigh, sliding it up toward her core. The tension between them was electric, but just as Rafe's hand reached the edge of her dress, the car door on the other side suddenly swung open.
"What are you doing?" Topper's voice cut through the heated moment like a cold splash of water.
Allison and Rafe both snapped their heads toward the open door, where Topper stood, his expression a mix of confusion and exasperation.
"I'm third-wheeling, apparently," Kelce quipped from the backseat, his tone light but clearly over the situation.
"Nothing," Allison replied quickly, letting go of Rafe's hand but feeling his grip linger on her thigh.
"What happened with Sarah?" Rafe asked, his voice tight with a mix of irritation and concern.
"Nothing, she wasn't there," Topper muttered, climbing back into the driver's seat. He seemed distracted, lost in his thoughts. "Now you can get out because we're not going to the after-party."
"Seriously?" Kelce groaned, clearly disappointed.
"Come on, Top, I'll introduce you to ten girls better than her at the party," Rafe offered, trying to lighten the mood and distract Topper from his frustration.
"Not interested," Topper replied, his voice flat as he settled into his seat.
"At least drop me off," Kelce said, his voice tinged with annoyance.
"I'm not going in that direction," Topper replied, his tone firm.
"Where are you going then?" Kelce asked, leaning forward to catch Topper's eye.
"Doesn't matter, just get out," Topper snapped, his frustration bubbling over as he pointed toward the door.
"Oh, wow, okay, okay," Rafe said, quickly opening the door and helping Allison out first. The sudden shift in mood was jarring, but Allison was grateful to be out of the car and away from the tension inside it.
As soon as they were all out, Topper sped off into the night, leaving Kelce to walk back home and Allison standing with Rafe under the dim glow of the light. The night was quiet, the earlier chaos replaced by a strange calm that settled between them.
"I guess you got your wish," Rafe said, turning to face her, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Are those ten girls better than me too?" Allison teased, her voice lightening as she let the tension of the evening slip away.
Rafe chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. "Are you jealous?"
"Me? No, never," Allison said, but there was a playful glint in her eyes as she turned away, taking a step toward the door. "Let's go. What are we waiting for?"
Rafe grabbed her wrist, gently pulling her back to face him. His eyes were intense, searching hers for something she wasn't sure she was ready to give. "If they were better, I would be with them right now."
Allison's heart skipped a beat, the sincerity in his words catching her off guard. "Good," she whispered, rising on her tiptoes to kiss him softly, her lips lingering on his for just a moment longer than necessary.
Rafe's hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her as close to him as possible. He kissed her back deeply, the intensity of his feelings clear in the way his lips moved against hers.
When they finally pulled away, Rafe took her hand, leading her inside the house and up the stairs to his room. The door barely closed behind them before Rafe had her pinned against it, his lips finding hers with a hunger that made her knees weak. His hands moved against her body with a familiarity that sent shivers down her spine, his thumb stroking the hollow at the base of her throat as his other hand pushed up the thin fabric of her dress.
Allison's breath hitched as Rafe's fingers slid beneath the hem of her dress, tugging at the fabric of her panties and pushing them down. The world outside his room faded away as his touch ignited a fire within her, the tension between them a live wire that threatened to burn them both.
Rafe's fingers found their way between her legs and Allison moaned against his lips before he even touched her core.
His other hand wrapped around her neck, squeezing it slightly, "You need to be quiet." He whispered before his fingers brushed over her dripping center, a soft moan escaped her lips, she couldn't help it.
In the next moment, Rafe grabbed her waist with both hands and spun her around so that her front was pressed against the door. He started kissing her neck and shoulder while his hand unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the ground. He pressed himself against her back and she could feel him hard against her and it had her throbbing between her thighs.
"Rafe... before we continue, I want to do a line," Allison whispered, her voice shaky but laced with desire.
"Alright, let's do it," Rafe replied, stepping back to let her move. His eyes never left hers as she grabbed his shirt, pushing him back onto the bed with a smirk.
Rafe grinned, watching her with dark eyes as she climbed on top of him, her hands deftly unbuttoning his shirt.
"Where is it?" she asked, referring to the coke, her voice barely more than a breathless whisper.
"In that drawer," Rafe pointed to the nightstand beside the bed, his voice husky with anticipation.
Allison moved to retrieve the drugs, while Rafe shed the rest of his clothes, leaving him in nothing but his boxers. He laid back on the bed, his eyes never leaving her as she returned to straddle him, feeling the heat of his arousal through the thin fabric between them.
She spread out a line of coke on his stomach, bending down to snort it off his skin. Rafe watched her with a mixture of lust and admiration, his breath hitching as she finished, her head tilting back as she sniffled.
"My turn," Rafe said, his voice low and full of intent. He gently pushed Allison off him, guiding her to bend over his lap. His hands slid over the curves of her body, lingering at her hips before he laid a line of coke across the smooth skin of her bare ass.
Allison shivered under his touch, anticipation tightening in her stomach. Rafe leaned down, snorting the line off her ass, his breath warm against her skin. He lingered there, his lips brushing her skin as he inhaled deeply, savoring the moment.
As Allison went to move, Rafe's hands tightened on her hips, holding her in place. "Don't move. I'm not done," he whispered, his voice rough with desire.
Allison bit her lip, feeling the heat of his gaze on her as he began to trace the curve of her spine with his fingertips, down over her hips and across her thighs. The slow, deliberate way he touched her was almost torturous, sending electric jolts of pleasure through her body. She could feel the tension building, her breath quickening as he continued to tease her, his fingers brushing close to where she needed him most but never quite giving her what she wanted.
"Rafe, please," Allison finally whispered, her voice a mix of desperation and desire. She could barely contain herself, the need for him overwhelming her.
"Please what?" Rafe asked his tone teasing, enjoying the power he held over her in this moment.
"Stop teasing me," Allison replied, her voice trembling as she tried to keep her composure.
Rafe chuckled softly, but his touch grew more deliberate, more intense. His fingers brushed lightly over her clit, and Allison gasped, her body responding instantly to the brief contact. He slid the tip of his finger inside her, just enough to make her squirm, before pulling back, eliciting a frustrated moan from her.
"Bend over the bed, princess," Rafe commanded, his voice dark and commanding.
Allison obeyed, her heart racing as she positioned herself over the edge of the bed. Rafe stood behind her, the heat of his body pressing against her back as he leaned over her, his breath hot against her ear.
He rolled his hips against her, teasing her with his hardness as he positioned himself at her entrance. "Tease," Allison mumbled under her breath, her body aching for him to just take her.
In response, Rafe brought his hand down hard on her ass, the sharp sting making her gasp. But the pain was quickly replaced by pleasure as he pushed inside her, filling her completely in one swift, powerful motion.
Allison clutched the sheets, biting down to stifle the moans that threatened to escape as Rafe began to move, his thrusts hard and fast. He held her hips in a tight grip, the intensity of his movements making it clear that he was losing himself in her, just as she was in him.
Rafe pushed deeper, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through her, building to a crescendo that left her breathless. He leaned over, his teeth sinking into the flesh of her shoulder as he reached his climax, his growl vibrating through her skin. The feeling of him spilling inside her, combined with the roughness of his bite, pushed her over the edge, her own orgasm tearing through her with such force that she had to bite the sheets to keep from crying out.
Rafe didn't let go immediately, keeping himself pressed against her back, his breath ragged in her ear as they both came down from the high. Slowly, he pulled out, collapsing onto the bed beside her. They lay there for a moment, both catching their breath, their bodies spent from the intensity of their coupling.
After a few minutes, they moved to the bathroom, where Rafe helped Allison into the shower. The hot water cascaded over them, washing away the remnants of their earlier activities, but it didn't cool the desire between them. Rafe's hands roamed her body under the water, bringing her to the edge of pleasure again and again until they were both utterly exhausted.
By the time they finally climbed back into bed, sleep overtook them almost instantly, their bodies entwined under the sheets.
・ • ・ • ・
Allison woke to the feeling of warmth and safety, her body nestled against Rafe's, his arms wrapped securely around her. She blinked awake, her eyes adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The events of the night before played through her mind, and despite everything—despite the confusion and the conflict—she couldn't deny the deep satisfaction that came from being with him.
She shifted slightly, looking up at Rafe's sleeping face. There was something about seeing him like this—relaxed, unguarded—that tugged at her heart. He looked so different when he slept, all the hardness and tension gone from his features, replaced by a boyish innocence that made her heartache.
She studied him quietly, her fingers gently brushing his tousled hair back from his forehead. He stirred slightly but didn't wake, his breathing deep and even. She let her fingers trail down the line of his jaw, tracing the shape of his lips and down to his collarbone. He was beautiful in a way that was almost painful to look at, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to wake up like this every morning, to have him be hers completely.
"Good morning, beautiful," Rafe murmured, his voice still thick with sleep. His eyes fluttered open, meeting hers with a soft, sleepy smile that made her heart skip a beat.
"Good morning," Allison replied, smiling back at him. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."
"I was already awake," Rafe told her, his smile widening. "I just liked feeling you touch me."
Allison blushed, looking away to hide the heat rising in her cheeks. "I should probably go," she muttered, the reality of the day ahead beginning to creep back into her thoughts.
But Rafe didn't loosen his hold on her. Instead, he pulled her closer, burying his face in her hair. "Don't. This is nice," he whispered, his voice soft and vulnerable in a way that made her heart ache.
Allison sighed, placing a gentle kiss on his chest. "You might be right." His hand began to rub slow circles on her back, the soothing motion making her whole body relax into him. "But if we don't get out of this bed now, we never will," she teased, though part of her didn't really want to move.
Rafe furrowed his brow, his eyes still closed as he pulled her even closer. "What's wrong with that?" he murmured, his voice half-asleep but full of warmth.
"I don't want your family to hear us. It was hard enough to keep quiet last night," Allison pointed out, her voice soft but insistent.
Rafe smirked, opening one eye to look at her. "Okay, okay. I'll let you get away this time."
Allison laughed softly, her heart warming at the playful banter between them. "That's because you're exhausted," she teased, running her fingers through his messy hair.
"Oh, yeah? You think that?" Rafe raised an eyebrow, his voice taking on a mischievous tone.
Before Allison could respond, he flipped them over, pinning her beneath him with a playful grin. He began to pepper her with kisses, starting at her neck and moving down to her chest, his touch light and teasing.
Allison laughed, trying to push him away. "Okay, you made your point!" she giggled, squirming beneath him as his kisses grew more insistent.
Their playful moment was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door. "Rafe, are you awake? Your father wants to talk to you," came Rose's voice from the other side of the door.
Rafe groaned, rolling off Allison with a sigh of frustration. "I'll come in fifteen minutes!" he yelled back, his tone clearly annoyed at the interruption.
"Who's that?" Allison asked, a bit startled by the sudden intrusion.
"Rose, my stepmother," Rafe replied as he moved to the other side of the bed, beginning to gather their discarded clothes from the floor. "We should probably get dressed."
They quickly dressed, exchanging amused glances as they rushed to make themselves presentable. When they were ready, they made their way downstairs, trying to be as quiet as possible to avoid running into anyone. But as they reached the bottom of the stairs, a voice stopped them in their tracks.
"Rafe, what did I tell you about bringing random girls into our house?" Ward Cameron's voice was stern, cutting through the air with a commanding presence that made Allison tense.
Rafe let out a sigh of annoyance, turning to face his father. "She's not just some random girl, Dad," he replied, his voice filled with irritation.
Ward's gaze shifted to Allison, his expression a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. Allison recognized him from the Midsummer party, but seeing him now, in this more intimate setting, made her feel more vulnerable.
"No?" Ward questioned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Who is she then?"
Rafe hesitated for a moment, glancing at Allison before answering. "She's my girlfriend," he muttered, the words sounding almost foreign coming from him.
Allison's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected declaration. She opened her mouth to speak, but Rafe quickly pulled her closer, his arm wrapping around her shoulders in a protective gesture.
"Your girlfriend?" Ward asked, clearly not believing him.
"Yes, my girlfriend. Why is that so hard to believe?" Rafe challenged, his tone defensive as he stared down his father.
Ward studied them for a moment, his gaze sharp and assessing. "You never had anything serious with a girl in your life," he finished his tone cutting. His words hung in the air, thick with judgment and disbelief.
Allison could feel the tension radiating from Rafe, his body taut as a bowstring. This was a side of him she hadn't fully seen before—a boy struggling against the weight of his father's expectations, his defiance masking a deeper vulnerability.
Deciding to take control of the situation, Allison stepped forward, extending her hand toward Ward. "I guess things change. My name is Allison," she said with a calm smile, hoping to diffuse the tension.
Ward's eyes flicked to her, and for a brief moment, the skepticism softened. He took her hand in a firm grip, though his eyes were still sharp, probing. "Call me Mr. Cameron," he said, his tone more measured now, though still laced with a hint of suspicion.
Allison nodded politely, though she could feel Rafe's tension still simmering beside her. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Cameron."
Ward's gaze shifted back to Rafe, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I need you in my office for a few minutes," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Rafe nodded stiffly, his jaw clenched. "Fine. I'll be there in a second," he replied, his voice clipped.
Ward gave a final, scrutinizing look at Allison before turning and walking away, leaving them alone in the hallway. The sound of his footsteps receded, but the tension in the air remained.
Rafe exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. "Wait for me in the car," he said, handing her his car keys. His voice was quiet, almost resigned, as if the confrontation had drained some of the fire out of him.
Allison nodded, sensing that he needed a moment. "Okay," she agreed softly, squeezing his hand before turning to leave.
As she made her way outside, the cool morning air hit her, clearing her mind. She walked to the car, her thoughts racing. Rafe had called her his girlfriend. It wasn't just the surprise of hearing him say it—it was the way he'd said it, with a mix of defiance and vulnerability. It was as if he was daring his father to challenge him, while also needing to prove something, both to Ward and to himself.
She climbed into the passenger seat, waiting for Rafe to return. The minutes stretched on, each one filled with more questions than the last. What had Rafe told his father about her? Why did it matter so much to him to prove their relationship—real or not—was serious? And why had he so readily called her his girlfriend?
When Rafe finally emerged from the house, his expression was dark, and stormy, and Allison knew something had gone wrong. He climbed into the car, slamming the door shut with a force that made the entire vehicle shudder.
"What's wrong?" Allison asked, her concern deepening at the sight of his clenched jaw and furrowed brow.
"I got great news this morning," Rafe began, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "John B is going to live with us."
Allison blinked in surprise. "How come?" she asked, trying to make sense of the situation.
"Ward decided to be his legal guardian," Rafe replied bitterly, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. "Apparently, John B had some accident, and now he's moving in."
"Just like that?" Allison questioned, her confusion growing.
Rafe let out a harsh laugh, devoid of any real amusement. "Bullshit if you ask me," he muttered darkly. "Sarah must have swayed him somehow into doing it."
Allison reached out, placing a hand on his arm in an attempt to calm him. "Just try to avoid him, okay? I'm sure he's going to be more on the cut than at your house."
Rafe's grip on the wheel loosened slightly, though the anger still simmered beneath the surface. "Yeah, he better be."
For a few moments, the car was silent, the weight of the situation settling over them like a heavy fog. Allison could feel the distance between them growing, the unspoken words creating a chasm she wasn't sure how to bridge.
When they finally parked outside her house, she leaned over and kissed Rafe on the cheek. "Thanks for the ride," she said softly, trying to bring some lightness back into the moment.
Rafe managed a small smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Thanks for last night, princess," he replied, his voice rough around the edges.
Allison laughed softly, shaking her head as she reached for the door handle. But before she could open it, Rafe's hand shot out, grabbing the nape of her neck and pulling her back for a deep, lingering kiss. His lips were insistent, almost desperate as if he needed to feel her close to remind himself that not everything was slipping away.
"I think you forgot something," he murmured against her lips, his breath warm and tinged with a hint of possessiveness.
Allison smiled, her heart fluttering despite everything. "Thanks for the reminder," she whispered back, giving him one last peck before slipping out of the car.
As she walked toward her house, the weight of the morning's events settled on her shoulders. Rafe's declaration, his tension with his father, and now the looming presence of John B in his life—it was all too much. But as confusing and overwhelming as it was, she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward Rafe, the way he seemed to draw her in even when she knew she should stay away.
She glanced back at the car, watching as Rafe drove away, the sound of the engine fading into the distance. She didn't know where this road with Rafe was leading, but something told her it wouldn't be an easy journey.